The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired the rights to defenseman Michal Sersen from the Pittsburgh Penguins today in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, executive vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton announced.

Sersen, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound native of Gelnica, Slovakia, played in 54 games with HC Slovan Bratislava last season, recording nine goals and 18 points. He led all defensemen on the team in goals and was third in points. Sersen also played in 18 playoff games with HC Slovan as they won the Extraligaâ€™s championship. He recorded a goal and three points during the post season. He has played in 96 games with Bratislava during the previous two seasons, recorded 10 goals and 23 points.